What is the clearance in relation to storage?

The clearance in relation to storage refers to the distance from the top of the stored items to the ceiling sprinkler deflectors. Maintaining this clearance is critical for effective sprinkler operation. If storage items are placed too high, they can obstruct the sprinkler spray pattern, impairing the system’s ability to distribute water effectively in the event of a fire. This clearance ensures that the sprinkler system can function properly and provides adequate coverage to suppress or control a fire. It also helps to prevent the accumulation of combustible materials near sprinkler heads, which could pose a fire hazard.

The distance from storage to the ceiling, the maximum height of storage, and the clearance between items in storage, while related to overall safety and fire protection strategies, do not specifically address the relationship between storage and sprinkler function; hence, they would not encompass the critical factor of ensuring unobstructed sprinkler operation.